Work on Serbia’s newest airport in Kraljevo, named Morava, is ongoing and on schedule. Construction work is currently being carried out on the control tower and terminal building with the airport set to open in time for the 2011/12 winter season, which begins on October 30. From November, smaller aircraft such as the ATR72 will be able to use the airport and its facilities. From the 2012 summer season larger passenger jets will have the ability to land as the runway will be lengthened. This winter, some 50 people will be employed by the airport while another 150 will find employment next summer.

Morava Airport is being built on the grounds of the Ladjevci military air base. Part of the airport will continue to be used for military purposes. The construction of the new airport, which amounts to 32 million Euros, began this spring. The Serbian Government has invested some 14 million Euros into the project while a considerable amount, up to 10 million Euros, has been provided by the Government of Turkey. Other investors include Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and the Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Control Agency.

Morava Airport lies between 3 larger cities – Kraljevo, Čačak and Kragujevac. The Serbian Ministry of Defence said last week that the airport has a catchment of 2 million people and is also likely to attract cargo airlines. However, there is scepticism whether the airport will be able to attract any passenger traffic. Niš, located in Eastern Serbia, has so far been unable to handle more than 36.000 passengers in a year since its reopening in 2004. Others argue that the airport’s proximity to Kragujevac, where the Fiat auto maker is based, and its close proximity to the Kopaonik mountain resort will be enough to lure an airline or two.